Situated in southeast Georgia, Jenkins County is Georgia’s 140th county, established by an act of the state legislature on August 17, 1905. The county emerged from sections of Bulloch, Burke, Emanuel, and Screven counties. While initially proposed to be named Dixie, the county was ultimately christened in honor of Charles Jones Jenkins, a respected judge and governor during the Reconstruction era.

The City of Millen serves as the county seat for Jenkins County and played a pivotal role in the county's formation. Previously divided between Burke and Screven counties, Millen's residents grew dissatisfied with the challenges posed by its precarious location at the intersection of four sizable counties. These challenges included jurisdictional issues and the considerable distance, averaging 20 miles, to the various county seats. Today, Jenkins County encompasses an area spanning 350 square miles.

Jenkins County is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners and is managed day-to-day by a county administrator. The Jenkins County Sheriff’s Department is the public safety office primarily serving outside the City of Millen, and also performing court functions at the Jenkins County Courthouse in Millen.